Late Actor Jack Elam Owned $2 Million Net Worth At Time Of Death

Jack Elam, a late American actor was professional since 1944 until his retirement in 1995, famous for his villainous character in numerous Western films.

Throughout his career, Elam earned 206 acting credits & made appearances in 73 movies. Sources cite that e owned the fortune of $2 million at the time of his death in 2003; cause of death was congestive heart failure.

Some famous movie appearances of Elam include Once Upon a Time in the West, High Noon, Support Your Local Sheriff! and in the TV series The Twilight Zone.

From Navy To Acting Career: Income Sources & Earnings

Initially, late Jack used to work in finance and later served in the US Navy for 2 years during World War II. Thereafter, Elam began to work as a manager for the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles before he moved into the acting career.

With his on-screen debut in 1949 through She Shoulda Said No!, Jack Elam appeared in numerous movies & TV shows including his guest appearances in Zorro, Have Gun Will Travel, and Lone Ranger.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, at the time of death, in 2004, Jack Elam had an estimated net worth of $2 million.

Jack Elam, famous as Lazy-eyed villain had $2 million fortune

Well, the main source of his income was undoubtedly his acting career; Elam made 73 movie appearances and 41 TV appearances.

Jack Elam came to fame after starring in the 1966 western–adventure film The Night of the Grizzly co-starring Clint Walker and Martha Hyer. Other famous acting credits of the late actor include High Noon (1952), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969).

Besides this, he also worked in the TV series like The Twilight Zone (1961), The Texas Wheelers (1974) alongside Mark Hamill & Gary Busey and in Easy Street (1986).

Jack Elam in the movie The Cannonball Run

Even though Elam never opened up about his salary, surely, he pocketed massive tens of thousand dollars while alive, during his career height.

Meanwhile, as of 2019, the average salary of an actor is $49,924.

Rare Role As Protagonist: Best-known as an on-screen villain, Jack Elam made a rare good guy appearance in 1963 in the ABC/Warner Bros series The Dakotas. He played Deputy U.S. Marshal and reformed gunfighter J. D. Smith.

Had Any Endorsements & Charity?

Over the years, despite being a famous face in the 70s & 80s, Jack Elam never revealed about his endorsement. And even after 14 years of his demise, the claims on his sponsorship detail remains undisclosed.

Probably, Elam who was trademarked for bulging & grizzled eyes, had sought him numerous commercials during his career height, earning him a massive sum.

Considered a famous villain of the 70s, Jack, unlike his screen-character was active in low-key charity works. Also, he participated in many fundraising events.

How Was Jack Elam's Lifestyle? Houses, Cars & Other Assets

Jack Elam preferred to keep his personal life low-key, and was not active in social media platforms. Though, he did live a lavish lifestyle with such a massive fortune.

Sources cite that the late actor used to live in his hometown Arizona, though never let media bypass his real estate empire including cars & other properties.

Well, the median house price in Arizona is $254,600 with an insurance premium of $800 per year.

Apart from expenses on daily life luxury, Elam used to spend a chunk of money in travels, accommodation and costly suits that came up with his signature cowboy hat.

Jack Elam and his signature Cowboy hat

Despite these, the late actor was also liable to tax policies that took out a hefty sum from his account.

Note:Meanwhile, the property tax in Arizona calls 1.045% of asset's assessed value, while the income tax (for married-filing status) cuts off $18,900 upon $100,000 yearly income.

Jack Elam's Personal Life: Age, Height, Wife, Children & Death

Born on November 13, 1920, in Miami, Arizona, the USA, Jack Elam's birth name is William Scott Elam. His parents are Alice Amelia Kirby and Millard Elam.

After his mother died in 1922, Elam was raised by his father and step-mother Flossie Varney Elam, grew up alongside older sister Mildred.

At the age of 12, Jack Elam lost his eyesight in the left eye, after a pencil got stabbed with a pencil during an altercation. Thus, the grizzled look later became his trademark in the acting industry.

He attended Miami High School in Gila County and Phoenix Union High School in Maricopa County. After graduation in the 30s, Jack enrolled at Santa Monica Junior College.

Jack Elam held American nationality & was of mixed ethnicity. He had a height of 6 ft. (183 cm).

Wife & Children

The American actor was married 2 times in his life, but never divorced; his first wife died & remained together with second wife Margaret until his death.

Jack Elam and his first wife Jean L. Hodgert were in a marital relationship for 21 years (August 24, 1939- January 24, 1961) until she died.

While in a relationship, the duo welcomed 2 children: daughter Jeri and a son Scott.

Then, Elam married Margaret M. Jennison on August 23, 1961, and was together until Jack's death on October 20, 2003. They welcomed a daughter Jacqueline.